New York has a message for Canadian tourists who might think again their travels to the US: “We’re lucky to have neighbors like you!”
The Empire State has been particularly exposed to a decline in Canadian tourism, much like that of President Donald Trump proposed 50% rates and calls to make Canada America’s 51st state have strained relations between the two countries and prompted some Canadians to call for a boycott of travel to the US.
According to the governor’s officeCanadian visits to New York state fell by more than 26% in 2025, the year Trump took office, and Canadian spending fell by 28%. The Canadian government also reported a 25% decline in the number of border crossings of residents into the US in 2025 compared to 2024.
As a destination that is highly dependent on Canadian tourismNew York”NY LOVES CANADA“And”Northern Neighbor Dealcampaigns are trying to win them back. The temporary promotions are organized by the New York Department of Economic Development and New York City Tourism + Conventions, respectively.
The Northern Neighbor Deal offers Canadian tourists 30% off at nearly 100 hotels, restaurants, shows and attractions across Manhattan, Queens, New York CityBrooklyn and the Bronx. The discount was “intended to help offset the exchange rate.” As of August 2026, $1 CAD is equal to $0.72 USD.
‘Our message is one of love’
A cruise at the Statue of Liberty in New York City. Marcin Golba/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The list includes observation decks on top of the Empire State BuildingOne World Observatory and Top of the Rock; butterbeer Harry Potter Shop NYC; and cruises with views of the Statue of Liberty from the Hudson River.
Several Times Square hotels, city museums and Broadway shows such as ‘Maybe Happy Ending’, ‘Book of Mormon’, ‘Aladdin’ and ‘Buena Vista Social Club’ also offer the discount to Canadian visitors.
“We know travelers are thinking carefully about where and how they are spending their money right now,” New York City Tourism + Conventions wrote on its website. “This summer, we want Canadians to know they are valued, welcome and a big part of life in New York.”
Outside of New York City, the NY LOVES CANADA travel offer, on the “I LOVE NY” website, applies to 25 hotels, restaurants and attractions in New York State, including the Hudson Valleythe Adirondacks, Long Island and Greater Niagara.
The promotions usually require a Canadian ID, and there are blackout dates and times. Daniel SLIM/AFP via Getty Images
For example, Adventureland on Long Island offers BOGO access; the nearby Heckscher Museum of Art is free to Canadians on certain days and times.
The Northern Neighbor Deal runs from August 18 through September 7 for destinations in New York City, while some statewide offers remain valid through the end of the year.
“Our message is one of love: New York loves Canada, despite whatever adversity may challenge our community. This new program is our invitation for Canadian travelerssaid New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “New York and Canada are neighbors by geographic destination, but we are friends by choice, and we want our Canadian companions to know they are welcome in New York State.”
Other US cities have also launched special promotions aimed at Canadian tourists to offset the financial impact of Trump’s trade war. In Vegasanother destination popular with Canadian travelers, hotels are offering a ‘Vegas At Par’ promotion with a more favorable exchange rate, discounted helicopter flights and all-inclusive specials for visitors from Canada.
